MLB Player News

Sensational. The only issue for Wheeler was control, as he walked four and hit another. To say those free passes didn’t affect him is quite the understatement, and he generated 30 swings-and-misses in this contest. It’s no surprise to see Wheeler dominant, but it doesn’t make this any less impressive. He likely will be back for either Game 5 of the NLDS — possibly Game 4 if it’s a must-win — or Game 1 of the NLCS if possible.

The 26-year-old hurler was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2019 draft and spent five seasons toiling in the minor leagues for them before spending the 2024 season pitching for the New England Knockouts in the independent Frontier League. There, he compiled a 5.13 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and a 93/32 K/BB ratio over 94 2/3 innings and apparently caught the attention of the Angels. He’ll add pitching depth for the Halos.

It’s unclear if the deal will be of the minor league or major league variety, but he’ll assuredly receive an invitation to spring training if it’s a minor league pact. The slick fielding 27-year-old hit just .221/.280/.256 with zero homers, 10 RBI and one stolen base in 86 at-bats with the Cubs during the 2024 campaign. He can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Rivera was excellent down the stretch for the Orioles, but the team made a deal for Luis Vázquez, and need room on the 40-man roster. It would be surprising if a team didn’t put a claim in for the infielder, and it’s just as likely — if not more so — that there’s a trade made for the 28-year-old.

Vázquez was designated for assignment after the Cubs signed Jon Berti. The 25-year-old infielder will provide depth for the Orioles; likely at the Triple-A level in 2025.

Graveman missed all of 2024 after undergoing shoulder surgery, but he’s been a highly-effective relief option when healthy. The right-hander will likely be looking at a deal that is heavily based on incentives, but could be a high-leverage option by the end of 2025.

The exact details of the deal are not known, but it’ll be between the $8.8 million he asked for and the $7.325 the Padres offered. King has been the subject of trade talks lately, but assuming he’s not dealt he’ll pitch in the middle of the San Diego rotation in 2025.

Hampson hit .230/.275/.300 for the Royals last year, but he’s a speedy utility player capable of playing several positions. He’ll compete for one of the final spots on the roster this spring, but will need to be added to the 40-man roster if Arizona deems him worthy of the roster to open 2025.

Hughes, 29, was non-tendered by the Diamondbacks at the end of the season after forging an 8.15 ERA for Arizona in 2024. The 29-year-old left-hander will likely be a candidate for one of the final spots in the Chicago bullpen, but he’ll have to pitch well in the Cactus League to earn a spot.

The Angels were offering $1.5 million. Moniak slashed just .219/.260/.380 with 14 homers over 124 games. The former first-overall pick will be a fourth outfielder for Los Angeles to open the 2025 campaign.

There’s no real point in having Bautista pitch in the first 7-10 days of games, so he probably won’t. Bautista underwent Tommy John in October 2023 and had a followup procedure last February.